Talking points: Phoenix flying high, Glory eyeing club record
The Mark Rudan revolution is in full swing across the ditch, with Wellington Phoenix riding high in a position that's been unfamiliar to the Kiwi club in recent times.
Phoenix beat Central Coast Mariners 2-1 at Westpac Stadium on Saturday as they backed-up their shock win over Premiers Sydney FC the previous week in fine style.
First-half goals to Louis Fenton and Sarpreet Singh sealed back-to-back wins for Wellington for the first time since April 2017.
WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
READ: Phoenix enter top six, condemn Mariners to worst ever Hyundai A-League start
The result will come as vindication for Rudan, who suffered a tough patch - which was three straight losses - after an initial bright start to the campaign.
And it has the Phoenix up in rarefied air, back in the Hyundai A-League's top six.
Outside of this campaign's opening round, Phoenix have not finished a round in the top six since Round 16 of the 2016/17 Season.
Glorious defence takes Perth top again
Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory's game of yo-yo at the top of the Hyundai A-League ladder continued this weekend
Tony Popovic’s men had briefly been overtaken by Victory on Friday night, but a determined showing in the Hunter brought them to eight games unbeaten, just two short of their club record of 10 set back in 2015.
TEAM OF THE WEEK:Who made the cut for Hyundai A-League Round Eight
A smart save from Liam Reddy denied Newcastle’s Jair what would have been the fastest goal in Hyundai A-League history shortly after kick-off only for Perth to earn a penalty moments later with only 40 seconds on the clock.
Despite being out-shot 22 to four, Glory recorded a second straight clean sheet for the first time since March 2016, proving just how tough Popovic's side are to beat this season.
Old foe returns to haunt Wanderers
It felt like there could be a power shift on the horizon as the storm clouds surrounded Saturday night's Sydney Derby.
Instead, it turned out to be a familiar tale of woe for Western Sydney Wanderers, as none other than chief villain Alex Brosque popped up to score, becoming the fixture’s all-time leading goal scorer in the process.
Wanderers’ coach Markus Babbel was left understandably frustrated by the result - one that extends the club's horror record against their cross-city rivals.
The Red and Black have now won just one of the last 15 Hyundai A-League fixtures against Sydney FC.
SATURDAY: Sydney FC claim bragging rights, Wellington too good for Mariners
Six of the best for Victory
It looks like it's going to take something special to halt the Melbourne Victory juggernaut right now.
Kevin Muscat's men came through a crazy opening 45 minutes at Suncorp Stadium, putting a 10-man Brisbane Roar to the sword on Friday night to make it six wins on the bounce.
Once again, Keisuke Honda and Ola Toivonen were involved in most of what was good for the reigning champions.
FRIDAY: Honda and Toivonen inspire first-half blitz as Victory beat Roar in six-goal classic
Toivonen scored twice, one, unfortunately, is his own net, while Honda was at his influential best, running the show in midfield and coolly converting a spot-kick.
Underlining the pair’s importance and leadership was their joint-effort in clearing a Roar effort off the line in a crazy goalmouth scramble to keep Victory in control.
RE-LIVE: All the goals and talking points from Victory-Roar thriller
ANALYSIS: Victory's deadly trio sparking breathtaking displays
After starting the season with back to back defeats, Victory are now on their second-best winning streak in club history - and are four wins away from equalling the record of 10 straight set by Western Sydney Wanderers in 2013.
City impress on the road
Lastly on Sunday, Melbourne City turned in an impressive road performance as they saw off Adelaide United 2-0 in the City of Churches.
Led by an inspiring performance from Bart Schenkeveld, City claimed their first win outside of Melbourne in six matches.
It sets up a tantalising derby contest against Victory next Saturday night, in which Warren Joyce's side will enter in a much healthier position.
An own-goal from Jordan Elsey early on set the tone for a disappointing evening for Adelaide who have slumped to back-to-back defeats after a strong start to the season.
Luke Brattan reminded everyone how good a player he is with an unstoppable strike five minutes into the second half, as City consolidated their position within the top six.
